A proverb expressing the idea that forgiveness is a worthy response to human failings.

The proverbial phrase ‘To err is human’ is often heard in its fuller form ‘To err is human; to forgive, divine.’. This makes sense of the notion that the originator, the English poet Alexander Pope, was trying to convey. In the poem An Essay on Criticism, Part II , 1711. Pope explains that, while anyone can make a mistake, we should aspire to do as God does, that is, show mercy and forgive sinners:
Alexander Pope – to err is humanAh ne’er so dire a Thirst of Glory boast,
Nor in the Critick let the Man be lost!
Good-Nature and Good-Sense must ever join;
To err is Humane; to Forgive, Divine.